4 Tips For Having a Successful Blog







I started my blog two and half years ago as a creative outlet for one of my biggest passions: fashion. I didn't have much direction as to what I wanted it to be or what I wanted to accomplish with it. All I knew was that I was inspired to document and photograph my daily outfits which eventually grew to encompass everything I love.

I took almost a solid year off when I found that blogging was becoming more of a chore and less of an enjoyable hobby.  I found myself sitting in front of my computer in frustration as I struggled to think of the words to say and it all felt so forced in the end. Only recently (in May) did I start blogging full-time again. This time around, I really took the time to re-evaluate my blog's purpose and hone in on what I hoped to accomplish with it.

Today I want to share some tips on having a successful blog that I wish I knew about when I started blogging:

1. Educate Yourself
I took an online webinar teaser course called 'Instagram with Intention' when I decided to re-launch my blog.  Although it was mostly targeted towards finding success with your Instagram account, it got the wheels turning on how to organize my blogging goals. Educating yourself is important because you can feel all over the place when you start a blog and rather than struggling through and learning what not to do the hard way, it's more effective to invest a little bit of time and learn from the experts who have been there and have knowledge to share!

You can also join blogging forums such as IFB to find tips for being successful with your blog or to network with other bloggers who have experienced similar feats.

2. Know Your Audience
If you take anything away from today's blog post is should be the importance of knowing your audience and writing with that audience in mind. When I determined who my audience(s) was, writing came so much more organically and felt a lot more genuine. It helped me narrow down my focus and really find my voice as a writer and blogger.

3. Be You
The next piece of advice which seems so plain and simple but I failed to follow the first time around is to staying true to you. I found myself saying yes to every collaboration request because I was so excited that businesses were showing interest in me. I would except clothing and items at times that I wouldn't personally buy or invest in if it hadn't been given to me. I would have a difficult time writing a post sometimes because I wouldn't be that excited about the product. It also takes away from your credibility as a blogger if you don't personally believe in or stand behind what you're blogging about - your readers will see that.

Being you also involves showing your personality or even getting personal at times. People relate to real people rather than the perfect lives that are often portrayed in blogs. People find it interesting and will come back to read the person they have gotten to know over time, if you're more personable in your posts.

4. Network 
This was another component I was missing the first time I launched my blog. While I would comment here and there and respond to occasional comments on my Instagram account, I didn't really regularly engage with fellow bloggers or readers of my blog. Not only does networking get your blog out there for others to see, you become a part of a community with shared interests and goals which in-turn can be very motivating and inspiring for you as a blogger.

As I continue to navigate the blogging world, I learn more about what works and what doesn't work, and you too will find that out for yourself. In the meantime I hope you can avoid some of the mistakes I made and keep these strategies in your blogging toolkit to use as needed!

Now on to today's outfit! With the recent heat wave we've been having lately, I comfortably traded in my jeans for jean shorts. I paired my shorts with a button-up chambray shirt, a choker (because I can't wear them enough), some caged sandals and a silk, lace-trim camisole.

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S:
1. Top: Joe Fresh
2. Shorts: Garage
3. Choker: Aldo
4. Sandals: 2020 Ave
5. Bag: Chanel
6. Sunglasses: c/o Clearly

46 comments

  1. I agree with you 100% Amazing tips beauty. You are doing a great job. Keep it up!
    As for your look, I love it! Your denim shirt is just perfect. Beautiful styled gorgeous!
    Xx, Raysa

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  2. Great tips. Blogging is fun and challenging at the same time. I think it's crucial to stay true to yourself.

    www.mydailywear.co.uk

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    1. Aww thanks girl! I agree! It really is a doubled edged sword =P

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  3. That bag :O :O It looks super cute with denim shrit :3
    partofnicol.blogspot.sk

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  4. Love these pieces of advice! We certainly believe that knowing your audience is important!

    xx,
    Jule Avenue
    www.juleavenue.com

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  5. Great tips! Love this look!

    http://violettedaily.com

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  6. Based on the success of your blog, I could definitely say your tips work! Keep blogging! xo

    AFU

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  7. Amazing post and great tips dear,
    Emma
    www.emmalovesfashion.com

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  8. I learn a lot from your blog,and thanks for your share

    Anki

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  9. Thank you for all the great tips! I love that you included the 'be you' one.

    www.HolaThea.com

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  10. These are amazing tips and I couldn't agree more! Did we start our blogs at the same time?! haha I started mine 2 1/2 years ago and agreed after awhile it started to feel more for a chore. So glad you are back and you are killing it with your posts!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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    1. Thanks Rach! Probably! November 2014 for me! Aww that means so much to me! You have been too babe!

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  11. Lovely reflections and tips on how to become more succesful! Especially know the info on how to develop a succesful blog, by SEO, engaging, unique content or adding some personality is so good! Blogging is so much more than just writing and publishing! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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    1. Thanks love! I definitely need to learn more about SEOs. I still have a lot to learn too =)

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  12. I totalky agree on this even though i am not considered a successful blogger yet.
    Xo, Christianne
    Http://simplychristianne.com

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  13. Thanks for sharing these great tips!

    The 3rd and last installment of my festival style campaign with UK brand BOOHOO is now live at the blog – come check it out & lemme know what you think!

    Happy Wednesday!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  14. it's really hard these days to be ourselves, esp with what we have been seeing through our social medias. i think its one of the most important thing to be original!

    VVEEKEND 101

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    1. I totally agree! We need to stop comparing and share what feels right to us =)

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  15. Love these pictures and Your outfit :) Especially Your sandals ! And amazing advices for blogging! I have to think about that !

    Fashion blogging by Lissey

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  16. All of your tips are so important! Especially networking and giving back to the community! What goes around comes around!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

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    1. Thanks Tamara! I totally agree, I love the networking portion of blogging =)

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  17. I just started my blog and these tips are amazing! I truly appreciate it coming from a succesful blogger like you. Have a nice day! xx

    María Ale | www.mintsouls.com

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    1. Thanks Maria! That is seriously such a nice thing for you to say xoxo

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  18. Lovely tips! I always enjoy post like this, so helpful.

    http://tealattewithstyle.com/

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  19. This is such an awesome post, girlie, and one I can truly relate to. I started my blog nearly 3 1/2 years ago and for half of that time, I had no clue what I was doing. I wasn't' networking or paying mind to interacting on my other social media accounts. It's almost as though I thought that somehow, everyone would just get an alert, know that I've made a blog and all come at once, haha! I've learnt so much in this past year more than any other and though I regret a lot of things I didn't do right in the years prior, I know that everything happens for a reason. As for your outfit, I love that chambray top paired with those black shorts and those sunnies, LOVE!!! You look gorgeous as always, beauty! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you're having the best week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    www.thestylecontour.com

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    1. Lol! I totally know what you mean.. It's like "A new post is up, come and feast your eyes"... and silence.. lol! You are doing so well with your blog and obviously everything you've done has paid off! Keep up the awesome work. I love reading everything you share <3

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  20. Awesome post Rina!! You are killing it girl! Love how fun and important networking with fellow bloggers is! PS: You look fab in your outfit post xx- Mitra

    www.leopardcouture.com

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  21. I agree with you 100% hun! I have been blogging for over 8 years and 5 years full time, its hard work, crazy hours and I got to that stage as well... so I also relaunched my site and I am loving my job again and now everything I was striving for with regards to my blog and my personal brand has become a relaity ! Even after all these years, I am still learning, still researching, you cant stop, you have to stay up to date and reinvent yourself often :) Your personality shines through your writing and your pictures, you are genuine and that makes a huge difference between a good blog and a successful one too.

    PS- LOVE this casual chic look on you xx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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    1. Thank you so much babe! You are someone I aspire to be like one day and your blog is amazing! It erally is a lot of work, crazy hours and dedication. You truly have to love what you do to do well and you're so right about reinventing yourself constantly. You have to evolve with the times while still staying genuine. It can be a confusing balance sometimes =P Thanks for all your words of encouragement!

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  22. Great tips. And the pictures are amazing :D

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  23. Great tips. And the pictures are amazing :D

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  24. Great post Rina! Love the tips they are very helpful. I know what you mean about blogging feeling forced at times. Thanks for sharing these tips <3

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  25. Speaking of brand collaborations, I just found your blog because of that! I think they sent the email to the wrong person, and of course I had to google to see who this person was! And lo and behold, I'm glad for that little mix-up! I love how simple and chic your outfit is! The right chambray top goes with almost anything!

    Also, just curious, I know a lot of bloggers say that "knowing your audience" is instrumental. So I'm curious how do you discover who your audience is (any tools you use, or just observations), and who is you audience?!

    Lisa
    www.theeverydayelevated.com

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